GALLVS takes us through his top influences behind his new single, ‘Red Pill’

GALLVS (pronounced Gallus) is an up-and-coming emcee hailing from Brisbane. His crisp take on hip-hop has notes of rock, punk and electronic pop weaved through, leading to a sound that is catchy but defiant, and hooks you instantly.

His latest single, ‘Red Pill’, has been making waves on Triple J Unearthed and has even scored play on Home & Hosed, and one listen is all the proof you need as to why. It’s an accessible package of pop infused hip-hop with a lot of personality and finesse shining through, and a promise of great potential. The video, shot by Que Film Collective heightens this personable nature with quirky nods to retro-video games alongside shots that put GALLVS’ magic front and centre. ‘Red Pill’ is the perfect debut – it tells you everything you need to know about the magic of GALLVS and promises something truly spectacular to come.

Off the back of ‘Red Pill’, we wanted to see what makes GALLVS tick, so we asked him about the top five bands that influence him as an artist.

Bloc Party

Probably one of the coolest/most original bands to ever do it. One of those bands that, when you hear their music, make you think “Ok…. they can’t be human”. These guys have been a direct influence on my vocal style and have opened up my world in using electronic music with live instrumentation.

Kid Cudi

Again another original artist, a man who needs no introductions, the moon man himself. I’m sure anyone who’s listened to Kid Cudi knows the depth of his artistry. The Cudder has been a driving force in my musical journey that has been a constant reminder that you don’t have to be a tough, “blokey” guy to rap and “RAP” itself isn’t always about having “Mad bArZ”, you can take people away on a journey with you as you explore your creativity. If anyone talks about the important artists of our time and don’t mention Kid Cudi then you have the green light to consider them lesser person.

Asian Kung Fu Generation

This Japanese band has probably the catchiest hooks and melodies I’ve ever heard…..but I couldn’t tell you what the fuck they’re singing about. I first heard their song “遥か彼方” when I was 14 on an anime (Naruto) as an opening and have been listening to them ever since. Having done many popular anime openings including Bleach, Naruto Shippuden and Full Metal Alchemist; AKFG are considered to be a well known band all over the world except Australia…cause they never toured here and I want them to and people should get behind them so I can see them here lol.

Blink 182

If you grew up around the ’90s and ’00s there’s not a chance in hell that you wouldn’t know who the 182’s are. If you don’t then you’ve had a sheltered childhood and I feel for you. Blink 182 heavily influenced a whole generation of kids with their melodic hooks and angsty lyrics that seem more relevant the older you get (nobody actually likes you when you’re 23).

Isaiah Rashad

Probably the most talented out of the TDE camp….Yeah I said it. I’ve been a fan of Rashad since I first saw him on the TDE Cypher back in 2013 and I’ve been an avid listener since. Again, this is another rapper who chooses to go against the grain and explore his creativity with rap. His flow is incredibly precise and harnesses dat southern bounce. Lyrically he’ll make you cry with some songs and make you want to down a brew and roll 20 blunts at other times. If it wasn’t for Rashad I’d probably not be rapping atm as he catapulted my style and technique into what I have today.